Versus

Date	Time	Event
Nov 22, 2008	9:00 PM	Max Graham at Versus
Nov 28, 2008	9:00 PM	Eat the Beat Showcase feat. Talib Kweli at Versus Nightclub

Parking: Paid Lot, Nearby, Metered, Street, Valet
Dancing, DJ, Historic Landmark Bar Scene, Bustling, Trendy, High Energy, Offbeat, Singles Moderately noisy 21+

 Downtown Los Angeles is becoming the vibrant, upscale community real estate developers have talked about for the better part of this decade, and Versus' arrival may well be a watershed moment.  Located in the historic Stock Exchange building, Versus boasts unrivaled style--mostly due to beautiful, pre-existing art-deco inspired design touches throughout the multi-story venue. 

The first hint you've arrived someplace special starts with the massive, thick brass doors that grace the one time actual stock exchange (it also was an on-again, off-again nightclub of the same name years ago that catered to latino and house music fans, mostly on Saturday evenings).  Once inside, a long, narrow hallway greets arrivals.  Upstairs, of course, is where the real club action will be.

New owners are finally sinking real money into the building, potentially ushering in a new era for downtown clubbers.  Before loft-dwelling neighbors in the vicinity of 6th and Spring get too concerned about noise, understand that the actual club portion of Versus is buried behind extremely thick concrete deep inside the building.  There is simply very little chance that sound can excape the 2nd floor central area of the club.

The tri-level layout of the circular club is inspiring, with a wrap-around balcony, VIP room with a separate entrance above the dance floor, a 2nd floor side lounge with detailed doors and stained glass windows.  Ceilings here are easily 40 feet high, and the place is going to hold over 1000 (if they can get that many to come on any given night, that is).

There will eventually be a food component at Versus, but not until 2009.  Expect mostly House, R&B and techno DJs at the club, as some employees have backgrounds in the club business from cities such as Miami.

The club's most unique design feature?  The first floor smoking lounge that will have two massive indoor ponds replete with fountains. 

It remains to be seen what kind of crowd will actually show up at Versus, as those in the immidiate neighborhood tend to eschew cover charges and techno music.  Still, owners seem aware that there are multiple markets to serve in the area, and will likely try and please everyone--a feat they certainly have the ability to do with the myriad different rooms available.

The club is still only mostly on weekends, for now.  Check their website calendar for details.

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